To meet the needs of students, ages 3 through 21 in the Princeton community, as required by New Jersey state law and federal statutes, the Board of Education provides programs for students with special needs. State funds cover less than one-third of the costs of these programs. Special classes and support programs are located throughout the district. It is our goal to encourage the appropriate extent of student participation in the general education program of each school.

Each building is assigned the services of a Child Study Team consisting of the school psychologist, learning consultant, and social worker. The Child Study Team evaluates and determines eligibility of students for special education and related services; coordinates the development of various aspects of the individualized educational programs; delivers related services to educationally disabled students; provides preventive and support services to nondisabled students; and provides services to the general education programs regarding techniques, materials, and programs for students experiencing learning difficulties. Written parental consent is required for a student to be initially evaluated by the Child Study Team. Parents are encouraged to participate in all phases of their child’s evaluation and program development process.

If you think your child may have a disability that affects his/her learning you are encouraged to speak with your child’s teacher, or contact a member of the Child Study Team in your child’s school.

In order to become eligible to receive special education services, a student must be evaluated and determined eligible by a IEP team (CST, parent and teacher). Each school's CST provides a wide range of services for all the school's students. The team is made up of a learning consultant, a psychologist, and a social worker. The learning consultant conducts educational evaluations, develops reviews and modifies curriculum, consults with teachers and administrators, reviews and orders educational materials and presents workshops to school staff. The psychologist conducts psychological evaluations, counsels students both individually and in groups, consults with school staff members, provides crisis intervention to students, and leads workshops for parents and school staff. The social worker, evaluates the affective and social skills, counsels students and parents, communicates with community
agencies, consults with school staff, and conducts training activities.

Approximately 14 percent of Princeton's students receive some kind of special education. The CST also serves students who are not receiving special education but are still experiencing some kind of learning-related problem. The schools provide assistance to these students through Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) Team. In addition, services are provided to disabled students who are not eligible for special education services through "Section 504 Service Plans." These plans provide for classroom and school building accommodations.

Copies of New Jersey state laws related to Special Education and other information may be obtained from the Office of Student Services (806-4200 Ext. 2027) or from the New Jersey Department of Education link. http://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/